Introduction
If you’re looking to get more engagement, drive traffic, or boost brand awareness, you’ve likely wondered whether boosting Facebook posts is worth it. Facebook has made the “Boost Post” button incredibly tempting and easy to use. It seems like a quick way to reach a larger audience and get more eyeballs on your content, but is it really that simple? Does boosting posts on Facebook actually yield results?
After working with various clients and testing different paid options on Facebook, I’ve learned quite a bit about when boosting works, when it doesn’t, and why. In this post, I’ll break down the effectiveness of boosting posts, what to expect, and some tips to make the most of your boosted content.
What Is a Boosted Post on Facebook?
Boosting a post is a form of Facebook advertising that allows you to promote a post to a wider audience than just your followers. It’s simple: you choose the post you want to boost, set an audience (demographic, interests, or custom audience), allocate a budget, and decide how long you want it to run. This process makes it an attractive option for businesses without a dedicated ad team or complex ad strategies in place.
Unlike Facebook Ads Manager, which offers extensive targeting and customization options, boosting a post is a more streamlined version of advertising. It’s less about complex ad campaigns and more about getting additional exposure for posts that may have shown some organic success.
Does Boosting Posts on Facebook Actually Work?
The short answer: it can, but it depends on your goals and expectations. Boosted posts can absolutely increase reach, engagement, and even website clicks, but understanding its limitations and best use cases is essential.
1. Boosted Posts Are Ideal for Engagement and Reach
- What It Works For: Boosting is great for building awareness and engagement. If you have a post that’s already getting good organic traction—likes, comments, and shares—a boost can extend that reach. Facebook’s algorithm tends to reward posts with engagement, so the more it gets, the further it can travel.
- What It Doesn’t Work For: Boosting isn’t usually as effective for driving conversions, such as sales, sign-ups, or app downloads. For these more specific goals, Ads Manager provides more tailored targeting options that you’ll need for optimized conversion campaigns.
2. Targeting Is Limited, But Can Still Be Effective
- What It Works For: If your target audience is broad and your goal is to increase visibility, boosting a post with a general demographic and interest-based target can be effective. For instance, if you’re promoting a local event or introducing a new product, boosting a post can get the word out quickly to a large audience.
- What It Doesn’t Work For: If you’re looking to target very specific audiences, such as retargeting previous website visitors or targeting a niche audience with specific interests, you may find that the options available with post-boosting are limited. In these cases, you’ll likely want the precision of Facebook’s Ads Manager.
3. Boosting Is Great for Testing Content Before Scaling
- What It Works For: Boosting can be a low-cost way to test content before committing to a larger ad budget. If you have a few different creative ideas, try boosting each one and monitor which gets the best engagement. Then, use those insights to guide a more robust campaign on Facebook Ads.
- What It Doesn’t Work For: Boosting isn’t suitable for detailed split-testing. Ads Manager allows for precise A/B testing with different ad sets, objectives, and placements, giving you insights into what drives the best results. For advanced testing, Ads Manager is your best bet.
How to Get the Most Out of Boosting Facebook Posts
If you decide that boosting a post aligns with your goals, there are a few ways to ensure that your budget is well-spent:
1. Boost Content That’s Already Performing Well
Facebook’s algorithm favors content that’s already getting organic engagement. Look for posts with high engagement rates, like shares, comments, or reactions, and boost those. It’s more likely to get traction with a larger audience if it has proven appeal.
2. Use a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
Many businesses make the mistake of boosting posts that don’t have a clear CTA. If you want people to take a specific action—visit your site, sign up for an event, follow your page—tell them. A clear, concise CTA helps turn boosted engagement into measurable results.
3. Optimize the Target Audience
Take advantage of Facebook’s targeting capabilities. Even though it’s not as extensive as Ads Manager, you can still target by age, location, and interests. Avoid a broad, “everyone” approach unless that’s truly your goal; a refined target is often more effective.
4. Set a Budget and Duration That Makes Sense
Start small, especially if you’re new to boosting posts. A budget of $10–$50 over a few days can give you insights into how a post performs when boosted. If you see positive results, you can consider scaling up the budget or boosting it again in the future.
5. Choose Posts That Reflect Your Brand
Avoid boosting posts that are overly “salesy” or don’t represent your brand’s values. Instead, boost posts that showcase your brand personality, offer value to the audience, or provide engaging insights. People are more likely to interact with content that feels authentic and informative, not promotional.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Boosting Posts on Facebook
1. Boosting Too Often Without Strategy
Boosting every post can dilute its impact. Focus on quality over quantity and boost posts that align with specific goals, whether it’s building awareness, engaging your audience, or promoting a limited-time offer.
2. Using It as a Shortcut for Conversion Goals
Boosting is primarily for awareness and engagement, so relying on it for conversions isn’t always realistic. While some businesses see boosted posts driving leads or sales, this outcome is often inconsistent. For a more effective approach to lead generation or conversions, Ads Manager’s tailored campaign objectives are a better fit.
3. Ignoring Insights and Metrics
After boosting a post, review the results. Facebook provides data on reach, engagement, and clicks, which can offer insights into what resonates with your audience. Track your boosted posts to identify trends and improve future content decisions.
4. Not Refreshing the Creative
Boosting the same post repeatedly can cause diminishing returns as users may begin to ignore it. Consider creating new, engaging content that can be boosted, and rotate these posts regularly to keep things fresh for your audience.
So, Is Boosting Facebook Posts Worth It?
In short, boosting posts can be an effective way to extend your reach and drive engagement, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re looking for quick, easy visibility and have specific posts that resonate with your audience, boosting can work well. However, if your goal is conversions, highly specific targeting, or detailed testing, you’ll get better results from a full campaign on Facebook Ads Manager.
Boosting posts can provide value, especially for businesses looking to gain more exposure without diving deep into Facebook’s ad ecosystem. It’s a helpful tool when used with a clear goal, careful audience targeting, and engaging content. And while it might not replace a dedicated ad strategy, it’s a simple, low-cost option to amplify your reach and make the most of your best content.
